MINISTRY

Christian Ministry is defined as an activity by Christians to spread or express their faith under the leadership of Apostolic oversight … I have often defined Ministry as “an Overflow of God’s Wisdom, Knowledge, Grace, and Mercy in your own life, and sharing it with others.” Many times I hear the statement in the Religious sector “that he/she is a minister”; over the years I have came to ask this question to that statement, “a minister of what?”

Recently I have had conversations with Buddhist ministers, Wicca Ministers, Occult Ministers, and “so called” Christian faith ministers. All of the above have some kind of credentials declaring them as Ministers. But again I ask, “Ministers of what?” I tell the folks at Haven of Hope that I am a Minister not because I have an REV or PASTOR in front of my name; I am a Minister because God has called me to Minister and under Apostolic Leadership “I Minister – or share my overflow with others!”

About two years ago a gentleman came to me introducing himself as a “Pastor.” When I asked him where he was a Pastor he said, “No where…” Well, a Shepherd is only a Shepherd because he/she has sheep! A Pastor is only a Pastor is he/she has a flock! This is where proper Apostolic Leadership and Oversight comes in to play. You see, not everyone called to the ministry is called to preach or teach! The Bible says, “Some are called to be Apostles, some are called to be Prophets, and some are called Pastors, Evangelist, and Teachers…” I believe that all are called to do something, but all are not called to do the same thing! Some are called to Deacon, Some are called to play Music, and some are called to the arts… See my point? Without Proper Apostolic Leadership we can be led astray and away from God’s calling on our lives! I have seen many good folks walk away from God’s Calling on their lives, to chase a dream of becoming a great Music minister or a Great Evangelist. Greatness can only be found in God’s Will for our Life!!!

Now let me end with some advice for those who believe they have a Call to Minister in their lives! Number One; Find a Pastor – Apostle – Bishop for Yourself! We all need Spiritual Accountability and its VERY Prideful to think differently! Number two; get plugged into a Local Church! If you are truly “Called to the Ministry then you will never need to make room for your ministry; your Ministry will make room for itself!” a quote from Pastor Bryan Lamm… Number three; learn to serve… as a Minister, serving God is Serving Others!!! Learn to Serve the Local Church, Serve Your Pastor, and Serve The Community! Remember, ALL Ministries begin with the “Ministry of Helps!” Number four; learn that your number-one ministry is at home with your family… (Your spouse and kids) I have seen a lot of ministers soar in the ministry but their own family goes straight to hell. If I can’t pray with/ minister to Benita and the girls then I have No Business ministering to others! And last; forget about the titles and prefixes! I was a Pastor several years before I became ordained and licensed. Having papers stating that I am ordained and licensed and/or having a degree in Divinity means nothing unless I’m walking in an overflow of the ministry in my own life and sharing that overflow with others!!!

Now take that Overflow and shine like a light to a dark and dying world!